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Just introducing myself (again) ... was previously in an E86M and had a need for a back seat (older parent issues). Just some quick specs, still need to detail, but weather here has been counterproductive.

I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I actually like the look of the sedan more than the coupe.

How do you like the manual transmission?

Seems to be a common statement that the clutch is exceptionally light, and finding the gateways for gears 1 - 3 take a little getting used to, particularly in earlier models and on cold starts.

From what I've read about the clutch, there was a compression return spring changed sometime in 09, so my clutch feels just right to me. I've had to many BMW manual (ZF and Getrag) transmissions, I'm used to their feel. Gears 1->2 are separated by quite a distance ratio-wise, the rest are smooth; I like the ultimate control over gear choices that a manual provides.

From what I've read about the clutch, there was a compression return spring changed sometime in 09, so my clutch feels just right to me. I've had to many BMW manual (ZF and Getrag) transmissions, I'm used to their feel. Gears 1->2 are separated by quite a distance ratio-wise, the rest are smooth; I like the ultimate control over gear choices that a manual provides.

Interesting. Figures that just my luck I happened to test an early '09 and found the clutch to be way too light and spongy feeling, plus the throws for each gear were virtually in their own zip code (slight exaggeration ).

Went from it to testing a 135 and found that kit to be the true sweet spot. Moderate resistance and throws fairly short and snappy. 1 M is even better in that capacity.

Interesting. Figures that just my luck I happened to test an early '09 and found the clutch to be way too light and spongy feeling, plus the throws for each gear were virtually in their own zip code (slight exaggeration ).

Went from it to testing a 135 and found that kit to be the true sweet spot. Moderate resistance and throws fairly short and snappy. 1 M is even better in that capacity.

Best wishes for many miles and smiles in your AW beauty!

I think the 135, and most of the ZF trannies have smaller gears/cogs, so the throws are naturally shorter. The Getrags have always have a bit of a throw, but, for me, it's a perfect length. I do, however, hope Mason Engineering makes a replacement clutch pedal like they did for the past generations: